Ricky Pearsall’s first NFL game ‘meant everything’

Former Florida Gators receiver Ricky Pearsall made his NFL debut Sunday — and it was emotional to say the least. Less than two months ago, Pearsall was shot in the chest during an apparent armed robbery attempt.

It meant everything,” Pearsall told reporters after the game. “Obviously, all the adversity I just went through these past months, it was really good to go out there with my guys again. … At the end of the day when the incident first happened, the first thing I was thinking about was the guys and the coaches in this locker room, the entire staff, and they did a really good job of rallying around me, making sure I stayed up, and it was a huge blessing for me.”

Ricky Pearsall had 2 big seasons for the Gators

Pearsall, a Gators standout in 2022 and 2023 after transferring to Florida from Arizona State, had a big career in Gainesville and finished with 98 catches as a Gator. He then was a first-round draft pick (he went 31st overall) this spring by the San Francisco 49ers. The teams had high hopes for him in 2024.

But before the season began, Pearsall was shot in the chest on Aug. 31 in San Francisco’s Union Square by a teen who allegedly attempted to steal Pearsall’s watch. In the struggle, the suspect was also shot. Pearsall was treated at San Francisco General Hospital and released the following day. He was fortunate to be alive but it quickly became apparent he would be okay and possibly play again in the near future.

Per ESPN.com, “Pearsall was back in the Niners’ facility less than 48 hours after he was shot and quickly began working his way back to the field.” Last week, the team began preparing to play him, opening his 21-day practice window.

“We kind of celebrated that almost all week with him,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “It was great to have him back. We were great in practice and he was going to get eased in a little today … Great to have him back.”

He had 3 catches Sunday

Seven weeks after being shot, Pearsall was back on the field playing in his first NFL game. In a 28-18 49ers loss to Kansas City, Pearsall recorded three catches for 21 yards. FOX’s Tom Brady, the NFL quarterback legend, was on the call Sunday.

“It’s an amazing story and they’re counting on him,” Brady told the audience. “Because they’re gonna need different players to step up. Again with (Jauan Jennings) out. They bring in Pearsall. They have high expectations. This is a first-round pick. What an again, miraculous situation.”

As for Pearsall, he seemed back to his old self Sunday.

“Physically I feel great,” Pearsall said, smiling. “I feel like I could play another game right now.”

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